Former Arsenal and Ghana international footballer Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail following a brief court appearance over multiple sexual offence charges involving three women.
The 32-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to face five separate charges, four counts of rape and one of sexual assault, linked to alleged incidents that occurred between 2021 and 2022. Though not required to enter a plea, Partey confirmed he understood the charges and bail terms during the under-15-minute hearing.
The case has now been transferred to the Crown Court, with Partey scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2.
Initially arrested in July 2022, Partey was not publicly named at the time and continued playing for Arsenal while authorities carried out their investigation. The charges, two counts of rape involving one woman, three additional counts involving a second woman, and a single sexual assault charge involving a third, emerged following a three-year probe.
Partey has denied all allegations. In a statement released through his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, he emphasized his cooperation throughout the legal process. “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name,” Wiltshire said.
Partey, who joined Arsenal in 2020 in a £45 million move, became a free agent after his contract expired on June 30. He made 52 appearances across all competitions for the club last season.
In a statement issued to Sky Sports News, Arsenal confirmed: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.”
